People often ask whether can chickens fly or not, especially the beginners who are completely new in keeping chickens or chicken farming business. And as a conscious owner you should know whether can chickens fly or not. And learning this will help you to broaden your knowledge about chickens and you will be able to care them better.
However, when considering if can chickens fly or not, remember that just because a bird has feathers and wings doesn’t necessarily meat it can fly. For instance, think of the ostrich. Ostrich can’t fly, but they have wings. Their wings are too heavy to actually get off the ground and fly. Chickens are similar and their build influence their ability to fly. Read more information below.
Can chickens fly?
If you don’t have enough time to read further whether can chickens fly or not, the exact answer is yes they can fly. But the flight of the chickens is not the same as that of some common flying birds. Actually, chickens are domestic birds, and they don’t need the ability to fly to survive.
Domestic chickens typically do not hunt for prey from the air and they do not need to build nests in trees. Rather chickens are ground nesters and foragers. And this lifestyle feature of chickens enable them to survive without developing strong flying abilities.
The design of a domestic chicken’s wings is for short bursts of speed. The chickens typically do not need to fly far, glide, or hover when flying. And the muscles of the chickens are not well developed for sustaining long flights.
Although, some chickens can fly well. And some chickens can fly better than others, especially the wild chickens. Chicken’s breed and it’s age also can affect its flying ability. Young chickens who are still growing are not fully filled out, and they have yet to reach their maximum adult weight. That’s why young chickens can fly well than the mature chickens, as their wings can catch enough air to lift their body weight.
Size of the breed also affect it’s flying ability. Some breeds are too heavy and they can’t fly well such as Orpingtons and Cochins. Some light chicken breeds can fly well such as Ancona, or Sebrights, because they have a better body structure for flying.
How high can chickens fly?
Every chicken is different, so the exact answer can vary greatly depending upon the breed, size, and age of the bird. But on an average, a chicken can fly as high as about 10 feet at once. Most chickens can fly vertically up better than sustaining a level, horizontal flight pattern. However, some of the average sized chicken breed can fly up to roosts 10 to 15 feet of the ground. But some light chicken breeds can fly upwards of about 30 feet high.
How far can chickens fly?
Again, its depend on the size, age and breed. Most of the chickens are typically capable of short bursts of flight, and they can only maintain flight for short distances. Their average flight distance is typically not much more than 100 feet. The one and main reason chickens usually fly is to escape from a predator. And a dominant hen may use her ability to fly as a way to maintain her status within her community, often claiming the highest roosting spots.
Can chickens fly over fences?
Yes, sure they are great escape artists. You should be aware if you are raising them in free range system. Some chickens can easily fly over a 6-10 feet fence.
Can silkie chickens fly?
No, Silkie chickens can’t fly. Silkies don’t have chicken-like feathers, which is necessary for flying. Rather they have fluffy, down-like feathers instead of the typical aerodynamic feathers found on other chickens.
How to stop chickens from flying and jumping over fences?
If you want to stop chickens from flying and jumping over fences, then there are a few simple ways to stop your chickens. But there is no single technique, and you may have to implement several techniques. Here we are trying to describe about the possible ways to stop your chickens from flying and jumping over fences.
1. Fencing
The best way to keep your chickens inside is to use a fence around your farm. Try to provide your chickens plenty of space to move around. Doing this will minimize the need of your chickens to fly. Typically, a fence of 4-5 feet tall may work best for the heavy chicken breeds. But for the smaller sized and flighty breeds, they need a covered enclosure to keep them contained.
2. Provide higher perches
In case if you have jumping chickens, try to provide higher perches as a prevention measure. Normally, some chickens seek higher perches to roost at night, which makes them vulnerable to nocturnal predators. But providing your chickens with higher perches within the coop will lower this risk at night.
3. Provide enough food and water
Always try to provide your birds with enough nutritious food and clean water. Some chickens may fly or jump in search of food and water.
4. Keep them entertained
Keeping your chickens entertained is also very important. So try to add some fun and entertaining opportunities inside their coop. A swing to perch on is a good addition to your chicken coop. Also put some other entertaining opportunities inside their coop. Try to put a simple bale of hay inside their run, and doing this allows your birds to play to their heart’s content.
5. Clip their wings
Clipping the wings of your chickens is another way to keep them from flying over the fence, jumping, and escaping from your property. Clipping is not a harmful process for your chickens, but it should be done with special care and do it only when the occasional flight problem starts affecting the safety of your flock. Clipping by trimming away just a couple of inches from the tips of the largest primary feathers will be sufficient to prevent unwanted bird escapades. Remember that flying is your chicken’s only innate defense mechanism from lurking predators, so clip their wings only if you must.
6. Build a coop with an enclosed roof
Yes, building a coop with an enclosed roof is a good idea to keep your chickens inside the coop. Netting over the coop will prevent your chickens from taking flight.
These are all we wanted to share with you about whether can chickens fly or not. Chickens are great escape artists. So, try to build required enclosures for keeping them inside your farm or property. Hope this guide has helped you. Good luck and may God bless you!
